The Election Commission (EC) has accepted the candidacy form of Hulhudhoo MP Ilyas Labeeb, who is contesting the upcoming presidential elections on behalf of The Democrats, a political party led by Speaker of the Parliament and former MDP President Mohamed Nasheed.

Ilyas had filed his candidacy papers yesterday to contest the September 9 elections. His running mate is former STO Managing Director Hussain Amr.

EC Vice President Ismail Habib tweeted that after going through the information contained in the form, the commission accepted this morning that Ilyas Labeeb was eligible for the presidential election as per the law.

Ilyas's nomination was rejected earlier there were no documents clearing that his election agent Fathimath Niuma had paid off a debt that was mandatory on her. Later, The Democrats provided the documents to the EC.

The deadline to contest the presidential elections will end at 2 pm today. Apart from Ilyas, the EC has also accepted the candidacies of MDP candidate, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and MNP candidate Dhangethi MP Mohamed Nazim.

In addition to them, Jumhooree Party candidate, Qasim Ibrahim and PNC candidate, Male' City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu are contesting as well.

In addition to them, independent candidates, Faris Maumoon, Former Home Minister Umar Naseer, and Former Deputy Defence Minister Hassan Jameel submitted their candidacy papers to the EC today.